Prominent opposition lawyer and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, popularly known as JFK, has expressed appreciation to Sierra Leoneans for their support and solidarity following his discharge by the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone after five days in detention over a contempt proceeding.
In a message addressed to the public, Kamara thanked individuals and institutions from across the country’s political, legal and social spectrum for their prayers, concern and calls for his release during the period of his detention.
Those he acknowledged included justices of the Supreme Court, the Lawyers’ Society, the APC Legal Team, leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC), parliamentary leaders and Members of Parliament, fellow APC flagbearer aspirants, members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), journalists, religious leaders, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens.
Kamara said the support he received demonstrated that shared humanity could transcend political affiliations and ideological differences.
“To everyone who prayed for me, defended my rights, expressed concern, or stood by me in solidarity, I want you to know that I do not take your support for granted,” he stated. “You have reminded me that our shared humanity transcends political, party, and ideological differences.”
His detention followed proceedings at the Supreme Court that generated widespread public discussion and concern, prompting expressions of solidarity and calls for his release from various quarters.
Addressing his supporters and the wider public, Kamara urged Sierra Leoneans to remain peaceful and civil in their engagements, while emphasising the importance of respecting the rule of law and maintaining national unity.
“As I move forward, I encourage you all to remain peaceful, steadfast, and civil in your engagements,” he said. “Let us continue to uphold the rule of law, respect our differences, and put the peace and unity of Sierra Leone first.”
Kamara concluded his message with an expression of optimism, reiterating his familiar slogan, “Joy is Coming!”